Hellfire
Alan Menken Lyrics

So many times out there I've watched a happy pair Of lovers walking in the night They had a kind of glow around them It almost looked like heaven's light
The singer has observed couples and their loving dynamics many times, and envies their glow and happiness which almost seem heavenly.

I knew I'd never know That warm and loving glow Though I might wish with all my might No face as hideous as my face Was ever meant for heaven's light
The singer recognizes the impossibility of experiencing the love and warmth he has observed, as he deems himself too hideous to ever deserve such affection.

But suddenly an angel has smiled at me And kissed my cheek without a trace of fright
The singer is taken aback when he receives positive attention from someone who he sees as an 'angel', as he never thought he could experience this given his views on his own appearance.

I dare to dream that she Might even care for me And as I ring these bells tonight My cold dark tower seems so bright I swear it must be heaven's light
The artist dares to believe that someone he views as an angel might care for him, bringing brightness to his life which seems like heaven's light.

Beata Maria You know I am a righteous man Of my virtue I am justly proud (Et tibit Pater) Beata Maria You know I'm so much purer than The common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd (Quia peccavi nimis)
The artist addresses Beata Maria, claiming that he is a righteous man and justly proud of his virtue. He goes on to say that he believes himself to be much purer than the common and vulgar population.

Then tell me, Maria Why I see her dancing there Why her smold'ring eyes still scorch my soul (Cogitatione)
The singer is confused and asks Beata Maria why he finds himself so drawn to the object of his affection, even though he views her as a sinner.

I feel her, I see her The sun caught in her raven hair Is blazing in me out of all control (Verbo et opere)
The singer is overwhelmed by his feelings for this woman, as they are intense and uncontrollable. The sight of her, with the sun caught in her hair, also deeply affects him.

Like fire Hellfire This fire in my skin This burning Desire Is turning me to sin
The artist is consumed by his passion and desires, which he sees as a hellfire. He views these feelings as sinful.

It's not my fault (Mea culpa ) I'm not to blame (Mea culpa) It is the gypsy girl The witch who sent this flame (Mea maxima culpa) It's not my fault (Mea culpa) If in God's plan (Mea culpa) He made the devil so much Stronger than a man (Mea maxima culpa)
The artist tries to absolve himself of responsibility for his feelings and urges, placing the blame on the woman he desires, who he labels a 'gypsy girl' 'witch'. He even goes so far as to implicate God in his situation.

Protect me, Maria Don't let this siren cast her spell Don't let her fire sear my flesh and bone Destroy Esmeralda And let her taste the fires of hell Or else let her be mine and mine alone
The artist begs for Beata Maria's protection from the woman he desires, whom he sees as a dangerous siren. He makes a demand that Beata Maria either help him to attain her, or ensure that she burns in hell.

Hellfire Dark fire Now gypsy, it's your turn Choose me or Your pyre Be mine or you will burn (Kyrie Eleison) God have mercy on her (Kyrie Eleison) God have mercy on me (Kyrie Eleison) But she will be mine or She will burn
The singer's view on the situation becomes sinister as he warns the woman he desires that she is to make a choice (to be with him or be burned) and repeats 'Hellfire' and 'Dark fire'. He then pleads for God's mercy on both himself and the woman, but continues with his threat of burning if she doesn't comply.